The Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine announces its first Pilot and Feasibility Program, and it will provide further support for new investigators, allow established investigators to explore new directions, and enable the Institute to attract scientists from other disciplines to stem cell research. The Gottesman Institute’s mission is: i) to advance the scientific knowledge in stem cell biology and breakthroughs in regenerative medicine; ii) to foster collaborations and innovations by bridging scientific fields and overcome natural departmental barriers; iii) to translate basic science discoveries into novel stem cell-based therapies that impact clinical care.

As such funds have been made available to support Pilot and Feasibility Studies at $25,000 per project; funding to begin within the current fiscal year (March 1, 2014 – February 28, 2015). These awards are given for one year and are renewable for a second year depending on suitable progress.

Eligibility

All faculty and post-doctoral fellows at Einstein and Montefiore are invited to apply. Projects will be considered on any aspect of basic science or translational medicine research relating to stem cell biology. Investigators may submit research projects that focus on the following areas: (a) scientists pursuing innovative ideas in stem cell research; (b) evolving research opportunities; (c) collaborative studies bridging another field to stem cell research, and (d) translational research involving stem cells. The program is designed to support:

New investigators with interest in stem cell-related research

Established investigators in other disciplines who wish to begin research related to stem cell biology

Established investigators working in stem cell-related research who wish to begin a new project representing a major departure from their previous research

Preference will be given to innovative research projects that utilize the shared facilities which provide services in flow cytometry and cell sorting, transplantation, cell/tissue analysis, single cell genomics, genetic analysis and manipulation, proteomics and imaging.

Requests for Application Process

Applications should follow the format using NIH application forms (PHS 398) but reduced in length. Applications do not require institutional internal review or Dean's signature. Funds are available for 1-2 years with a maximum request of $25,000/year. The suggested format is as follows:

1. Front page with title of the project, name of principal investigator and abstract (up to 200 words). No institutional signatures required.

2. Research methodology (up to 4 pages, single-spaced, at least 11 point type, including specific aims, hypothesis, and research design). This section should include a paragraph outlining plans for the use of the shared facilities cores in carrying out the proposed project. Visit the Einstein Shared Facilities website (http://www.einstein.yu.edu/research/shared-facilities/) and click on the type of analysis proposed in the research plan.

3. Biographical Sketch (up to 3 pages including bibliography and other Research Support - include all active and pending support of key personnel)

4. Budget (1 page followed by a page of justification). In addition, this section should include a paragraph outlining plans for the use of the shared facilities cores in carrying out the proposed project. Visit the Einstein Shared Facilities website (http://www.einstein.yu.edu/research/shared-facilities/) and click on the type of analysis proposed in the research plan.

Please submit by Monday, November 18th, 2013, the following items:

1. One original copy of the entire application including the biosketches and abstract as a single PDF file.

2. A PDF file of just the abstract page with the title of the research project, the name of the PI and other key personnel.

Subsequent to the completion of scientific review of the pilot grants, the Internal Advisory Committee for the Institute is expected to make funding decisions by mid-February 2014.